The Parlor

VERA JOHNSON WAS dressed, ready and waiting. Jason was always on time. They had changed their plans, so that she could do The Parlor laundry on Friday night instead of Saturday. This would give them two days together at the casino hotel in Joliet. Jason would pick her up at The Parlor at 11 A.M., when his shift ended.

She heard a car horn honking and ran to the door to see if it was Jason and there he was waiting for her in his cab. She started out the door, saw the snow and laughed. He looked confused, but she smiled reassuringly and pointed at her feet. She needed boots. A few minutes later she returned to find Jason holding the door for her.

“Whew! When did all of this start?” Vera gasped. The cold had left her breathless.

“About an hour ago. Bad for business really. No one goes anywhere in weather like this.”

“The weatherman said ‘light flurries.’ Are they ever right?”

“It’s like the old saying goes hon, ‘If you don’t like the weather in Chicago –wait an hour, it will change. Speaking of a change, are you all packed?”

Vera smiled, “Well, I’ve been packed all week. I’m so excited about our weekend. You packed your swimsuit didn’t you?”

“Of course, silly. I can’t go swimming without it. Vera started giggling as she reached up and put her arm around his shoulder. “Two free nights at Harrah’s. And, guess what?” Vera nuzzled up to Jason’s ear, “I have a feeling we’ll do more than eat, swim and gamble.” She made sure to exhale against his skin.

Jason squeezed her hand, “If that’s a promise, I’m holding you to it.”

When they reached The Parlor Jason parked at the entrance. “Got your card?” He asked. He gave her a playful push out the door.

“Yep,” responded Vera. She wiggled her hips and flashed Jason a smile as she walked toward the door. Jason leaped from the cab and took Vera into his arms, “I have half a notion to take you right now – right in there!” He laughed as he pointed inside the now open door.

“Pick me up at 11. Hopefully you’re still as enthusiastic as you are now.” Vera smiled, blew him a kiss and curtsied before spinning around and dashing through the door. They were at that stage when every moment together left her dreaming about how much she loved him.

Jason honked the horn as he pulled away.

Anxious and sporting a face numbing smile, Jason thought of his plans for the weekend. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring he had recently purchased. Vera had no idea. It had cost him a month’s pay, but definitely worth it for his Vera.

The Parlor was nice and warm. As soon as she was out of that heavy coat and hideous boots she would start a pot of coffee. There would be loads of laundry from Friday’s business, but she had eight hours to finish everything. It was 2:30 A.M.; she had plenty of time.

She took one bite of her roll and froze.

There was a sound, like glass tinkling. She wondered if it could be mice. Maybe someone had left food out. They always do. She grabbed a cup of coffee…there it was again.

“Shit!” She stood up and set the cup down. “I’ll turn the lights on and that will scare off any little unwanted visitors.”

Vera walked to the front door. There was a main switch there that would light up the whole Parlor. She flicked the switch and gasped, she was definitely startled, then sort of relieved, “Oh. It’s you. I thought…”

Those were the last words from Vera Johnson as she sunk to the floor. The only sound after that was of a body being dragged across the floor.